What we know about Jimmy Graham

June 3, 2015 5:00 PM

He's not concerned about the number of targets he'll get in the Seahawks offense

The Saints attempted more than 200 more passes than the Seahawks in 2014, but Graham said he wasn't worried about putting up smaller numbers in Seattle.

"I know I'm probably not going to get targeted 130 times, but that's not my concern," he said. "I just want to win games. And I know there will be times -- big moments in a game where I'm going to have to go out there and make a play. That's what I'm focusing on: Making sure that when the ball comes my way, I'm ready to take hold of every opportunity, and to not let any of these opportunities pass me by."

He's not concerned about the number of targets he'll get... Photo-8092564.110973 - seattlepi.com

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He wants to clear the way for Marshawn Lynch

Graham wasn't asked to block much in the run game in New Orleans, but he'll be expected to contribute with his new squad, and said he's up for the challenge.

"I can’t wait. That’s what I’ve been focusing on since I got here. The routes and the passing offense, that obviously comes natural. So for me, it's about focusing on what they’re trying to do here, which is the running game. It’s the staple of this offense and I’m proud the be a part of it.”

He wants to clear the way for Marshawn Lynch
Graham wasn't... Photo-8092565.110973 - seattlepi.com

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His offensive coordinator is excited to get him in the fold

Darrell Bevell said Wednesday he was eager to see where Graham fit into their offensive scheme, particularly in the red zone.

"He can stretch the field, catch the ball, big target in the red zone, which will be huge for us," Bevell said. "That may be one of the biggest things, just the size we have down there when things start to get tight."

His offensive coordinator is excited to get him in the fold... Photo-8092566.110973 - seattlepi.com

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He's excited to play "street ball" with Russell Wilson

After playing in a precision timing offense with Drew Brees and the Saints, Graham said he's looking forward to adjusting to Wilson's improvisational skills.

"Russ’s ability to extend a play is unbelievable," he said. "This offense and this team is dangerous on those second opportunities -- when he gets out of the pocket and he’s able to work and kind of play street ball, which I’ve always been pretty good at."

Wilson said that he saw a lot of Graham when studying tape on Brees, an idol of his. That gave him a great deal of exposure to his new target.

"His timing is just so on point, he’s very, very quick, and he understands the game, and so throwing to him is easy," Wilson said. "He’s a superstar, he’s going to be one for a long time, and my goal is to help him continue to grow. He looked great today, as you guys saw, and that’s how he looks every day, so it’s a spectacular thing.”

His new quarterback is excited to pick up where Drew Brees left... Photo-8092568.110973 - seattlepi.com

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He's totally recovered from a shoulder injury that limited him in 2014

Graham said he went through "10 weeks of terror" after injuring his shoulder early in the 2014 season, but was healthy now.

"I just want to be on the field. I just want to play, for the guys. You know, coming off a new contract (in New Orleans) I wasn't just going to be sitting on the sidelines not helping," he said. "That's just not who I am as a person, so I just kept fighting through it. Looking back, maybe some of those games it wasn't too smart to be out there."

Wilson said the player-led team trip to Maui gave Graham the kind of introduction he needed to be successful in Seattle.

"That was crucial for everybody, and I think for him too especially to get to know familiar faces, and when he came in the locker room, it wasn’t the first time that he got to meet people," Wilson said. "It was easy. It’s been easy so far, and we love having him, and we love his demeanor and what he’s about, so it’s going to be great.”

Graham had a tough childhood before being adopted in high school and said he wants to raise awareness for children needing adoption in the U.S.

"A lot of people are all about going to another country and adopting a child or going to save a kid in another country," he said. "There’s so many kids in this country who unfortunately just get the raw end of the deal and really don’t have an opportunity to be great or to be what they could be.”

He's willing to share his story
Graham had a tough... Photo-8092571.110973 - seattlepi.com

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He's not about to stop flying

Graham is a pilot and has already started to tour the skies above the Pacific Northwest. Though he said teams have expressed some reservations about his flying, he puts safety first -- and plans ahead.

"I've been trained by the best," he said. "I always make sure that I always keep up on all my certifications so I can be as safe as possible in everything that I do. Most of the time when I'm flying I'm wearing a parachute anyways. So I'll find my way to the ground somehow." less

He's not about to stop flying

Graham is a pilot and has already started to tour the skies above the Pacific Northwest. Though he said teams have expressed some reservations about his flying, he puts safety

He's not about to stop flying
Graham is a pilot and has... Photo-8092572.110973 - seattlepi.com

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His trash-talking ways will fit in nicely with his new squad

Bevell said he enjoyed watching Graham interact with his teammates during practice on Tuesday, particularly the back and forth between Graham and the Hawks' defensive stars.

"He's fit in great," Bevell said. "I think you saw a lot of hooting and hollering out here today, just kinda got to feel his personality a little bit today. That was the most that he's been involved, so it was fun to see it."